forbes.com
Athletics Sign Severino to $67 Million Contract, Exceeding Projected Payroll
The Oakland Athletics signed pitcher Luis Severino to a $67 million, three-year contract, exceeding their projected 2025 payroll by $4 million and making him the franchise's highest-paid player; the deal includes a $10 million signing bonus and an opt-out clause after two years.
- How does Severino's contract reflect the Athletics' recent history of cost-cutting and their plans for the future?
- This contract signifies a significant shift in the Athletics' approach to player acquisition. Historically known for frugality, the team's willingness to overpay for Severino, even considering his performance in a minor-league stadium in Sacramento, suggests a strategy to improve fan appeal and attract more free agents. This strategy is likely driven by the team's upcoming move to Las Vegas and the need to establish a competitive roster quickly.
- What is the significance of the Oakland Athletics signing Luis Severino to a contract exceeding their projected payroll?
- The Oakland Athletics signed Luis Severino to a $67 million contract, exceeding their projected 2025 payroll by $4 million and making him the highest-paid player in franchise history. This surprising move comes as the team prepares to relocate to Las Vegas and follows a pattern of cost-cutting in recent years. The contract includes a $10 million signing bonus and runs through 2027.
- What are the potential long-term implications of Severino's contract, including the opt-out clause and its impact on the team's future draft position?
- Severino's contract includes an opt-out clause after two years, impacting the Athletics' long-term financial planning and roster stability. The team's willingness to pay a premium for a player with a relatively short-term commitment highlights the uncertainty surrounding their transition to Las Vegas. The contract's impact on the team's future draft position (loss of their No. 3 pick) also underlines the A's focus on immediate competitiveness.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the Severino signing as a shocking and surprising event, emphasizing the contrast between the Athletics' past frugality and their current large expenditure. The headline and opening sentences immediately highlight the financial aspects, emphasizing the contract's size relative to the team's payroll and team history. This framing could predispose readers to view the move as reckless or unsustainable.
Language Bias
While the article generally maintains a neutral tone, phrases like 'cutting corners,' 'shock,' and 'overpay' carry negative connotations and suggest a critical perspective on the Athletics' decision. The use of words like 'surprise' repeatedly emphasizes the unexpected nature of the signing, potentially influencing reader perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the financial aspects of Severino's contract and the Athletics' unusual spending, but omits discussion of the team's long-term strategic plans or potential on-field impacts of the signing. It also doesn't explore other teams' potential interest in Severino or the negotiation process in detail. While brevity is understandable, omitting these elements could limit the reader's ability to fully assess the significance of the contract.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by framing the Athletics' decision as a surprise and a departure from their past practices, without fully exploring the nuances of their financial situation or potential motivations for this significant investment. It simplifies the team's history to 'cutting corners' and ignores the possibility of a shift in team strategy.
Sustainable Development Goals
The contract significantly increases the pay gap between Severino and other players on the team, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities within the team and wider baseball industry. The team's low attendance also suggests a potential disparity in access to and enjoyment of the sport.